Since 1985 gay men in the United States have been banned from donating blood. While other countries have reversed their ban on gay men from donating, the United States has not but that could be about to change.

On Friday, November 14, 2014 I spoke in front of the Advisory Committee on Blood and Tissue Safety & Availability, the committee discussed the current ban on gay and bisexual men from donating blood. The committee voted in favor of overturning the lifetime ban on gay and bisexual men from donating blood, but suggested limiting the community to donating as long as they have been abstinent for one year. As a young gay male and someone that works in public safety, I would like to be able to donate my blood and help those in need.

The committee suggestion has now been handed over to the Blood Products Advisory Committee to hear and vote on this matter, December 2nd.

The FDA states that their "HIV tests currently in use are highly accurate" and all blood donations are screened and tested for STDs, HIV 1 and 2, Hepatitis B and C and other viruses prior to giving it to the recipient. If the FDA already screens all donated blood, then in theory, no single group should be singled out from donating blood.

Please join me in urging the committee to overturn the current ban completely and end the outdated ban today!

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